Sunday, June 12, 2011

Jersey Steer Begins Cart Training as an Ox



Anuttama says Makani is a little over a year and a half old and weighs about 1050lbs.

She commented on my video, Hip-Hop Back to the Drawing Board in which Scout's early version of an ox yoke fell apart:

"I just hooked my little boy for the first time today and he was so good. Then we also had an incident: he slipped, fell on his side and broke a shaft! But he wasn't hurt and didn't freak out. I had to unharness him to get him up but then we reharnessed and pulled a drag so that the last thing that happened was good. Your Scout seems sensible, too."

Scout continues to amaze me with his lack of panic in surprising experiences.

Certainly for training on a light cart like this, the horse collar is working well. As you can see in the video they have turned the collar upside-down to make for an improved fit. It is recommended by ox drovers much more experienced than me, however, that a horse collar not be used for heavier work; the ox is likely to be uncomfortable and could develop sores. See also: A Horse Collar Doth Not an Ox Collar Make.

Thanks Anuttama for sharing your video on YouTube. We'll be watching for a progress report on Makani. Happy carting!

Bird Song, Ox Training, and Dog



Pulling the wagon through a variety of terrain was good training for Scout the Ox. It provided different experiences, and minor mishaps, all of which make him a more adaptable and cool headed beast-of-burden. Harry the Dog added a bit of light- heartedness; the sounds of nature and the Spring greenery provided a pleasant backdrop. The video is a little long, and more contemplative than instructional. In the opening clip notice the small tree in the forground as the ox cart passes.